Thrice-signed ALS in French as "Picasso," one page, 8.25 x 10.75, March 28, 1955. Addressed from Vallauris, a handwritten letter to his friend and financial advisor Max Pellequer, in part (translated): “I'd perhaps like to buy a house here. I'd like to know if I can use the money I banked. Let me know as soon as possible. I very much enjoyed seeing you the other day. I'm preoccupied by my sad departure. Sending you a kiss.” Below the artist has added two postscripts, both signed “Picasso,” with the first dated a day later on March 3rd: “Tomorrow, my friend Mr. Yve Pellous leaves for Paris. He will phone you or go to see you on my behalf to discuss all my affairs relating to the purchase. He will tell you everything in detail.” The second postscript, in part: “We should get together with the former owner, Minister Lucien Dalaviens.” In fine condition.
Banker and collector Max Pellequer was introduced to Picasso in 1914 by his uncle by marriage André Level. He quickly became one of Picasso's most important collectors and his financial advisor for over 30 years. Pellequer's interest in his art began as early as the 1910s when he purchased a Picasso bronze from the art dealer Ambroise Vollard. During the 1930s and 1940s, as Picasso's personal banker, he secured and enhanced the painter's wealth and allowed him to settle comfortably in the South of France. Picasso created a superb ex-libris on copper for him, bought him paintings including La Mer à L'Estaque by Cézanne (now in the Picasso museum), and offered him a few other works. Pellequer assembled a vast collection of paintings by the great masters of modern art: Degas, Raoul Dufy, Paul Gauguin, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Modigliani, and Maurice Utrillo, which are today preserved in the most important international museums.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$275.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
